JP2011175031A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is provided that can easily set a destination and easily obtain necessary route information.
An image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that is connected to a route information providing server via a network, and that acquires image data associated with positional information of an imaged image. From the starting point, a destination specifying unit that sets the destination associated with the acquired image data, a starting point specifying unit that sets the position of the starting point registered in advance, A route information image acquisition unit that acquires a route information image including information about a route to the destination from the route information providing server via a network, and an image based on the image data is superimposed on the route information image. The image forming apparatus includes a combining unit that combines and generates a combined route information image, and a printing unit that prints the generated combined route information image.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of printing route information after a user designates a destination based on an image.

  Digital cameras, which are representative examples of imaging devices, have been widely spread, and some of the commercially available digital cameras have a GPS (Global Positioning System) device built therein. Thus, in a digital camera incorporating a GPS device, the current position can be specified using the GPS device. Using this function, when the user takes an image, the image data can include information for specifying the current position. In other words, it is possible to hold position information for specifying the position where the image is taken in association with the image taken.

  Using the position information associated with this image, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-233985, the image is displayed at a corresponding position on the electronic map, and the image is connected with a line in the order of image pickup, and the image pickup process is performed. A technique for performing the display is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-233985

  However, when the user uses an image forming apparatus such as a printer to search for a route to go to one or a plurality of destinations from his / her home or an arbitrary departure place, the destination is set. There is a problem that it is complicated and it is difficult to easily print information on a required route.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus in which a destination can be easily set and information on a required route can be easily printed.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An image forming apparatus connected to a route information providing server via a network,
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data associated with position information obtained by capturing an image;
Destination specifying means for acquiring position information associated with the acquired image data as destination specifying information, and using the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination;
Departure location specifying means that acquires pre-registered departure location identification information and uses the location identified by the departure location identification information as the departure location;
A route that acquires a route information image including information on a route from the departure point specified by the departure point identification information to the destination specified by the destination identification information from the route information providing server via the network. Information image acquisition means;
Combining means for superimposing and synthesizing the image based on the image data on the route information image to generate a synthesized route information image;
Printing means for printing the generated combined path information image;
It is characterized by providing.

  In this case, the synthesizing unit may generate the synthesized route information image by forming an image based on the image data at a destination position in the route information image.

In addition, the image forming apparatus
List image display means for recording the image data related to a plurality of images on a recording medium, reading the image data from the recording medium and displaying a list screen of the plurality of images;
Destination selection means for allowing the user to select an image as a destination from the list screen;
May be further provided.

In this case, the image data includes data related to thumbnail images obtained by reducing the image based on the image data.
When the list screen display means displays a list screen of a plurality of images, the list screen of the plurality of images may be displayed using the thumbnail images.

In the destination selecting means, the user can select a plurality of destinations.
When a plurality of destinations are selected, the route information image acquisition unit acquires a route information image including information on routes passing through the selected destinations from the route information providing server. Also good.

  In this case, the destination selection means may allow the user to select a departure point as the final destination.

  In addition, the route information image acquisition unit may acquire a route information image including information on recommended points on a route from the departure place to the destination.

The image data includes information for specifying the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured, in addition to the position information where the image is captured.
The synthesizing unit may superimpose the imaging direction information that allows the user to specify the direction of the imaging apparatus at the time of imaging the image at the destination so as to be superimposed on the route information image.

The image data includes information for specifying the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured, in addition to the position information where the image is captured.
The route information image acquisition unit may acquire a route information image including information on a route approaching the destination from the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured.

In addition to the route information image, the route information image acquisition unit also acquires a destination vicinity enlarged image obtained by enlarging the vicinity of the destination,
The synthesizing unit superimposes an image based on the image data with the destination vicinity enlarged image and generates a synthesized destination vicinity enlarged image,
The printing unit may also print the generated combined destination vicinity enlarged image.

  In addition to the image based on the image data, the synthesizing unit also superimposes an image representing a departure place registered in advance on the route information image to generate the synthesized route information image. May be.

The route information search system according to the present invention is:
A route information search system comprising a route information providing server and an image forming apparatus connected to the route information providing server via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data associated with position information obtained by capturing an image;
Destination specifying means for acquiring position information associated with the acquired image data as destination specifying information, and using the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination;
Departure location specifying means that acquires pre-registered departure location identification information and uses the location identified by the departure location identification information as the departure location;
Specific information transmitting means for transmitting the starting point specifying information and the destination specifying information to the route information providing server via the network;
With
The route information providing server includes:
Specific information receiving means for receiving the starting point specifying information and the destination specifying information from the image forming apparatus via the network;
Route information that uses the position specified by the starting point specifying information as a starting point, searches for a route that has the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination, and acquires a route information image including information about the route Image acquisition means;
Route information image transmission means for transmitting the route information image to the image forming apparatus via the network;
With
The image forming apparatus further includes:
Route information image receiving means for receiving the route information image transmitted from the route information providing server;
Combining means for superimposing and synthesizing the image based on the image data on the route information image to generate a synthesized route information image;
Printing means for printing the generated combined path information image;
It is characterized by providing.

The route information providing server according to the present invention is:
A route information providing server to which an image forming apparatus is connected via a network,
Specific information receiving means for receiving from the image forming apparatus, via the network, starting point specifying information that is position information for specifying a starting point and destination specifying information that is position information for specifying a destination. The destination specifying information is specific information receiving means that is position information acquired by the image forming apparatus based on image data associated with position information obtained by capturing an image;
Route information that uses the position specified by the starting point specifying information as a starting point, searches for a route that has the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination, and acquires a route information image including information about the route Image acquisition means;
Route information image transmission means for transmitting the route information image to the image forming apparatus via the network;
It is characterized by providing.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating an example of the whole network structure of the route information search system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an internal configuration of a printer in the route information search system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of an operation panel provided in the printer of FIG. 2. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the internal structure of the route information provision server in the route information search system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of contents of a printer position information registration process executed in the printer of FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating an example of the content of the route information search process performed in the route information search system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention (the 1). It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating an example of the content of the route information search process performed in the route information search system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention (the 2). FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a destination image selection screen displayed on the display screen of the printer in the route information search process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route information image transmitted from the route information providing server to the printer in the route information search process illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a combined route information image generated by a printer based on the route information image of FIG. 9 in the route information search process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating an example of the content of the route information search process performed in the route information search system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention (the 1). It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating an example of the content of the route information search process performed in the route information search system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention (the 2). FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of a destination image selection screen displayed on the display screen of the printer in the route information search process illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a search option selection screen displayed on the display screen of the printer in the route information search processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of a print information selection screen displayed on a printer display screen in the route information search processing illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of a combined route information image generated by a printer in the route information search process illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of a combined destination vicinity enlarged image generated by a printer in the route information search process illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of a combined starting point vicinity enlarged image generated by a printer in the route information search process illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[First Embodiment]
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, when the user selects an image captured at the destination, the position information associated with the image is used as the destination position information. The route information providing server performs route search so that the route information image can be easily printed from the image forming apparatus. More details will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration of a route information search system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the route information search system 10 according to this embodiment includes printers 20 and 20 connected to a network 30 and a route information providing server 40 connected to the network 30. Has been.

  The printers 20 and 20 are examples of image forming apparatuses, and can be configured by so-called laser printers or ink jet printers. Note that the image forming apparatus can be configured by a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, or the like other than the printer 20.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 20 sends departure point specifying information, which is information for specifying a starting point, and destination specifying information, which is information for specifying a destination, to the route information providing server 40 via the network 30. It has a function to transmit. The departure place specifying information is information that is preset and registered in the printer 20. The destination specifying information is obtained when the user inserts a memory card into the printer 20, selects an image stored in the memory card, and the printer 20 acquires position information associated with the image. Information.

  The network 30 is an example of an external network. For example, in the present embodiment, the network 30 is configured by the Internet.

  The route information providing server 40 receives the departure place specifying information and the destination specifying information from the printer 20 via the network 30 and searches for information related to the route from the departure place to the destination. That is, information indicating what route should be taken from the departure point to the destination is obtained by searching. Then, the route information providing server 40 generates a route information image by superimposing the information about the searched route on the map information including the departure place and the destination, and transmits the route information image to the printer 20 via the network 30.

  The printer 20 superimposes and combines the route information image with the image selected by the user to generate a combined route information image and print it. As a result, the user can acquire a map on which information related to the route to the destination is printed simply by selecting an image captured at a desired location with the printer 20.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the printer 20 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54, a network interface 56, a display screen 58, and an input. An interface 60, an auxiliary storage device 62, a print execution unit 64, and a memory card slot 66 are provided, and these are connected to each other.

  The CPU 50 constitutes a control unit that performs various controls in the printer 20. In executing this control, the CPU 50 reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 54 and the auxiliary storage device 62. In executing these programs, various data and execution results are stored in the RAM 52 and the auxiliary storage device 62. The network interface 56 is an interface for connecting the printer 20 to the network 30.

  The display screen 58 is a device that is provided in the printer 20 to visually convey various information to the user. In the present embodiment, the display device 58 is constituted by a small liquid crystal display device, for example.

  The input interface 60 is an interface for the user to input various instructions to the printer 20. In the present embodiment, the input interface 60 includes an operation panel 70 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The operation panel 70 is provided with an upper movement button 72, a lower movement button 74, a right movement button 76, a left movement button 78, an enter button 80, and a cancel button 82.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2 again, the auxiliary storage device 62 of the printer 20 is a rewritable large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive. The print execution unit 64 is a print engine for actually printing on a print medium based on an instruction from the CPU 50.

  The memory card slot 66 is a slot for inserting a memory card into the printer 20. In the present embodiment, image data is stored in the inserted memory card, and this image data is associated with position information obtained by capturing the image. That is, image data of an image captured by a digital camera that is an example of an imaging device with a GPS function is stored in a memory card. In the present embodiment, the image data includes position information at the time of imaging. It is.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the route information providing server 40 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the route information providing server 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 82, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 84, a network interface 86, and a display screen 88. And an input interface 90 and an auxiliary storage device 92, which are connected to each other.

  The CPU 80 constitutes a control unit that performs various controls in the route information providing server 40. In executing this control, the CPU 80 reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 84 and the auxiliary storage device 92. In executing these programs, various data and execution results are stored in the RAM 82 and the auxiliary storage device 92. The network interface 86 is an interface for connecting the route information providing server 40 to the network 30.

  The display screen 88 is a device for visually transmitting various information in the route information providing server 40 to the user. In the present embodiment, the display device 88 can be constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a CRT. The display device 88 may be provided integrally with the route information providing server 40, or may be provided separately from the route information providing server 40.

  The input interface 90 is an interface for the user to input various instructions to the route information providing server 40. In the present embodiment, the input interface 90 is constituted by, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The auxiliary storage device 92 is a rewritable large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and is constituted by, for example, a hard disk drive.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the content of the printer position information registration process for registering the printer 20 with the printer position information that identifies the place where the printer 20 is installed. This printer location information registration processing is realized by the CPU 50 reading and executing a printer location information registration processing program stored in the ROM 54 or the auxiliary storage device 62. The printer position information registration process is a process that is activated by a user instruction when the user installs the printer 20 or moves the printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the printer position information registration process is started, first, the printer 20 acquires printer position information (step S10). In the present embodiment, for example, a user takes an image using an imaging device such as a digital camera at the position of the printer 20 and stores image data of the taken image in a memory card. When the user inserts this memory card into the memory card slot 66, the printer 20 reads the position information included in the image and acquires the printer position information.

  However, the method for the printer 20 to acquire the printer position information is not limited to this, and various methods may exist. For example, the printer 20 acquires map information from the route information providing server 40 and displays this map information on the display screen 58. Then, the user may specify the location where the printer 20 is installed using the map information displayed on the display screen 58, and the printer 20 may acquire the printer position information based on this specification. .

  Further, the user inputs the postal code of the home where the printer 20 is installed into the printer 20, and based on this postal code, the printer 20 identifies its own location and acquires the printer position information. Also good. In this case, the printer 20 itself may hold a correspondence table of zip codes and addresses, or a correspondence table of zip codes and addresses may be held in an external server, and the printer may be connected via the network 30. 20 may access this external server and obtain an address corresponding to the postal code.

  Further, when the GPS device is built in the printer 20 itself, the location where the printer 20 is installed may be specified by this GPS device, and the printer position information may be acquired. Alternatively, the user connects a mobile phone with a built-in GPS function to the printer 20, and the printer 20 uses the GPS function of the mobile phone to specify the location where the printer 20 is installed, and obtains the printer position information. You may make it acquire.

  Next, the printer 20 registers and stores the printer position information in the printer 20 (step S12). In the present embodiment, for example, the printer 20 stores the printer position information acquired in step S <b> 10 in the auxiliary storage device 62. Thereby, the printer position information registration process according to the present embodiment is completed.

  Next, a route information search process when a user searches for route information in the route information search system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. This path information search process is a process realized by the CPU 50 reading and executing a path information search process program stored in the ROM 54 or the auxiliary storage device 62 in the printer 20. The route information search process on the printer 20 side is a process that is started when a user inputs an instruction to the printer 20 for a route search.

  Furthermore, this route information search processing is realized by the CPU 80 reading and executing the route information search processing program stored in the ROM 84 or the auxiliary storage device 92 in the route information providing server 40. The route information search process on the route information providing server 40 side is a process that is started when a search request including the departure place specifying information and the destination specifying information is received from the printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when this route information search process is started, the printer 20 first inserts a memory card storing image data of an image captured at the destination into the memory card slot 66. (Step S20). In the present embodiment, the display screen 58 displays “Please set the memory card storing the image data of the image taken at the destination of the route search to the printer”.

  When a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot 66, the printer 20 reads out the image data stored in the memory card and displays it as a list on the display screen 58 as a screen for selecting a destination image (step). S22). Then, the user is caused to select an image of the destination that he / she wants to go (step S24).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the destination image selection screen W10 displayed on the display screen 58 at this time. As shown in FIG. 8, on the destination image selection screen W10 according to the present embodiment, images read from the memory card are displayed in a list format. When the read image data includes thumbnail image data obtained by reducing an image based on the image data, the destination image selection screen W10 can be displayed using the thumbnail image data. is there. On the other hand, if the read image data does not include reduced thumbnail image data, the printer 20 generates a reduced image based on the read image data and displays this destination image selection screen W10. .

  The user who has seen the destination image selection screen W10 operates the buttons 72, 74, 76, and 78 on the operation panel 70 to move the cursor CR to the image of the destination that he / she wants to go to. Then, the determination button 80 is pressed.

  Returning to FIG. 6 again, when the destination image is selected by the user, the printer 20 acquires the position information of the selected image and uses it as the destination specifying information (step S26). In the present embodiment, since the image data of the image selected by the user includes the position information obtained by capturing the image, the printer 20 acquires the position information and uses this as the destination specifying information. . If the image data of the image selected by the user does not include the position information obtained by capturing the image because the GPS function is not built in the digital camera or the like, an error message is displayed on the display screen 58. And the route information search process is terminated.

  Next, the printer 20 acquires departure place specifying information based on the printer position information registered in the printer 20 (step S28). In the present embodiment, printer position information for specifying the position where the printer 20 is installed is stored in the auxiliary storage device 62 by the printer position information registration process described above. For this reason, the printer 20 reads out the printer position information stored in the auxiliary storage device 62 and uses it as departure place specifying information.

  Next, the printer 20 transmits the departure place specifying information and the destination specifying information to the route information providing server 40 via the network 30 and requests a search for route information (step S30). The route information providing server 40 receives a search request for route information including the departure place specifying information and the destination specifying information (step S32).

  Next, the route information providing server 40 searches the route search database stored in the auxiliary storage device 92, from the starting point specified by the starting point specifying information to the destination specified by the destination specifying information. The route to be taken is determined (step S34).

  Next, the route information providing server 40 generates a route information image based on the route from the departure point to the destination determined in step S34 and the map image including them (step S36). In the present embodiment, a map information database is also stored in the auxiliary storage device 92, and the route information providing server 40 determines the departure place and the purpose from the map information database based on the information on the route determined in step S34. The map information including the place is acquired, and the route information image is generated by superimposing the information about the route from the departure point to the destination and the map information.

  Next, the route information providing server 40 transmits the generated route information image to the printer 20 that has transmitted the route information search request via the network 30 (step S38). Then, the printer 20 receives this route information image (step S40).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer 20 superimposes and combines the route information image received in step S40 and the image selected by the user in step S24 to generate a combined route information image (step S50). ).

  For example, it is assumed that a route information image IM10 as illustrated in FIG. 9 is transmitted from the route information providing server 40 to the printer 20. In this route information image IM10, the departure point is represented by a house-shaped mark 100, and the destination is represented by a star 102. The route from the departure point to the destination is indicated by a dotted arrow 104.

  When the user's selection image is superimposed on the route information image IM10 in the process of step S50 and synthesized, for example, a synthesized route information image IM20 as shown in FIG. 10 is generated. As shown in FIG. 10, in the combined route information image IM20, the image selected by the user is pasted at the position of the star 110 that is the destination of the route information image IM10. However, it is arbitrary whether the image selected by the user is superimposed on the position of the route information image IM10. For example, the image selected by the user is superimposed on the fixed position at the upper left corner of the route information image IM10. You may make it synthesize | combine together.

  When an image representing the departure place is registered in advance in the printer 20 by the user, the printer 20 superimposes the image representing the departure place on the position of the departure place in the route information image IM10. May be combined. For example, when the user images a home with an imaging device, and image data of the captured image is registered and stored in the auxiliary storage device 62 of the printer 20, the printer 20 stores the image data from the auxiliary storage device 62. The image data is read, an image representing the departure place is acquired, and pasted at the position of the departure place in the route information image IM10.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the printer 20 displays the combined path information image IM20 generated in step S50 on the display screen 58 (step S52). Generally, since the display screen 58 provided in the printer 20 is small, it is difficult to display the entire combined path information image IM20 as it is. In such a case, the combined route information image IM20 may be reduced and displayed on the display screen 58, or a part of the combined route information image IM20 may be displayed on the display screen 58, and the user may The combined route information image IM20 may be moved and displayed using the buttons 72, 74, 76, and 78 on the operation panel 70.

  Next, the printer 20 prompts the user to decide whether or not to print the displayed combined route information image IM20 (step S54), and when the user inputs an instruction to print (step S54: YES). Then, the combined route information image IM20 is printed (step S56). That is, the print execution unit 64 is driven to print the combined route information image IM20 on the print medium. Then, the route information search process is terminated (step S58).

  On the other hand, when the user inputs an instruction not to print (step S54: NO), the printer 20 skips step S56 and does not print the combined route information image IM20, and performs this route information search process. Is finished (step S58).

  As described above, according to the route information search system 10 according to the present embodiment, the user can select the printer 20 only by selecting the destination image that the user wants to go from the destination image selection screen W10. The combined route information image IM20 including information on the route from the departure point to the destination can be printed. For this reason, it is possible to easily set a destination when the user performs a route search.

  In addition, the setting of the departure place is also performed by taking an image with an imaging device such as a digital camera with a GPS function around the place where the printer 20 is set, and reading the captured image into the printer 20. The position information of 20 can be stored in the printer 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to input a troublesome departure place setting every time a route search is performed, and the setting can be further facilitated.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention is configured such that various option settings can be made by user selection in the route information search system 10 according to the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, a different part from 1st Embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated.

  First, a route information search process when a user searches for route information in the route information search system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the route information search processing is realized by the CPU 50 reading and executing the route information search processing program stored in the ROM 54 or the auxiliary storage device 62 in the printer 20. It is. The route information search process on the printer 20 side is a process that is started when a user inputs an instruction to the printer 20 for a route search.

  On the other hand, in the route information providing server 40, this route information search processing is realized by the CPU 80 reading and executing the route information search processing program stored in the ROM 84 or the auxiliary storage device 92. The route information search process on the route information providing server 40 side is a process that is started when a search request including information such as departure place specifying information and destination specifying information is received from the printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when this route information search process is started, the printer 20 first inserts a memory card storing image data of an image captured at the destination into the memory card slot 66. (Step S100). In the present embodiment, the display screen 58 displays “Please set the memory card storing the image data of the image taken at the destination of the route search to the printer”.

  When a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot 66, the printer 20 reads out the image data stored in the memory card and displays a list on the display screen 58 as a screen for selecting a destination image (step S102). ). Then, the user is made to select an image of the destination that he / she wants to go (step S104).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the destination image selection screen W20 displayed on the display screen 58 at this time. As shown in FIG. 13, on the destination image selection screen W20 according to the present embodiment, images read from the memory card are displayed in a list format. The process for displaying the destination image selection screen W20 is the same as step S22 in the first embodiment described above.

  The user who has seen the destination image selection screen W20 operates the buttons 72, 74, 76, and 78 on the operation panel 70 to move the cursor CR to the image of the destination that he / she wants to go to. Then, the determination button 80 is pressed. In the present embodiment, the user can also select a plurality of destinations on this destination image selection screen W20. In the example of FIG. 13, the user can select a plurality of destinations by moving the cursor CR on the destination image selection screen W20 and repeating the operation of pressing the enter button 80. In the example of FIG. 13, the first destination is the image A, the second destination is the image D, and the third destination which is the final destination is the image B. That is, the user selects an image according to the order in which he / she wants to go. When the user selects an image, a number is displayed in the order of visiting in the left corner of each image. When all the selections are completed, the cursor CR is moved to the position of the completion button 200 displayed on the destination image selection screen W20, and the decision button 80 is pressed, so that a plurality of destinations are routed. This completes the image selection when going to the final destination. Of course, if only one destination image is selected, that image becomes the final destination.

  In the present embodiment, the user can also select to return to the departure place using the destination image selection screen W20. That is, it is possible to specify a search for a looped route in which the route returns to the departure point after passing through one or more destinations. When making this selection, the user moves the cursor CR to the return button 202 and presses the decision button 80. Even when the return button 202 is pressed, in this embodiment, the image selection for returning to the departure place is completed via one or more destinations.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the destination image is selected by the user, the printer 20 acquires the position information of the selected image and uses it as the destination specifying information (step S106). In the present embodiment, since the image data of the image selected by the user includes the position information obtained by capturing the image, the printer 20 acquires the position information and uses this as the destination specifying information. . If the image data of the image selected by the user does not include the position information obtained by capturing the image because the GPS function is not built in the digital camera or the like, an error message is displayed on the display screen 58. And the route information search process is terminated.

  If the user selects a plurality of images in step S104, position information for each image is acquired in the order selected by the user, and this is used as position information for each destination. As shown in FIG. 13, when the user selects an image, the position information associated with the image A, the position information associated with the image B, and the position information associated with the image C are as follows. The first destination specifying information for specifying the position of the first destination, the second destination specifying information for specifying the position of the second destination, and the final destination specifying information as the third destination in order. .

  Next, the printer 20 acquires departure place specifying information based on the printer position information registered in the printer 20 (step S108). In the present embodiment, in the above-described printer position information registration process, printer position information for specifying the position where the printer 20 is installed is stored in the auxiliary storage device 62. For this reason, the printer 20 reads out the printer position information stored in the auxiliary storage device 62 and uses it as departure place specifying information.

  If the user presses the return button 202 on the destination image selection screen W20, the final destination is a loop-shaped route that is the starting point. The destination identification information.

  Next, the printer 20 displays a search option selection screen on the display screen 58 (step S110). Then, the user is allowed to select one of the option options related to the route search desired by the user (step S112).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a search option selection screen W30 displayed on the display screen 58 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, as a selection option related to route search, (1) whether the moving means is “automobile”, “bike”, or “walk” is selected. An option, (2) an option for selecting whether the priority road in the route search is a “general road” or an “highway”, and (3) approaching the destination from the image capturing direction of the selected image And an option for selecting whether or not to search for a route. The user operates the buttons 72, 74, 76, and 78 to move the cursors CR1, CR2, and CR3 to desired option positions. When the option selection is completed, the user presses the enter button 80.

  Next, the printer 20 displays a print information selection screen on the display screen 58 (step S114). Then, the user is allowed to select one of the option options related to printing desired by the user (step S116).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print information selection screen W40 displayed on the display screen 58 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, as a selection option regarding printing of the final route information search result, (1) an option for selecting whether or not to print an enlarged map near the destination; (2) an option for selecting whether or not to print an enlarged map in the vicinity of the departure point, and (3) an option for selecting whether or not to print information that enables the image capturing direction of the destination to be specified (4) An option is provided for selecting whether or not to print information on recommended points on the way to the final destination. The user operates the buttons 72, 74, 76, and 78 to move the cursors CR1, CR2, CR3, and CR4 to the desired option positions. When the option selection is completed, the user presses the enter button 80.

  Next, the printer 20 transmits information necessary for searching for route information to the route information providing server 40 via the network 30 and requests the route information to be searched (step S118). The route information providing server 40 receives a search request including information necessary for searching for the route information (step S120).

  Specifically, the information necessary for searching for the route information includes destination specifying information and starting point specifying information specified by the user, and, if necessary, capturing an image. Information for specifying the direction, search option information selected by the user, and print option information are included. The information specifying the image capturing direction is information generated in association with image data when an image is captured by an image capturing apparatus such as a digital camera. For example, when an orientation identification device such as a magnetic needle is built in an imaging device such as a digital camera, such as a north-northeast direction or a south-south-west direction, the imaging direction is set as a part of the image data together with the captured image. Information to be identified is stored. In addition, when a plurality of destinations are selected by the user, information for specifying each destination includes first destination specifying information, second destination specifying information, ..., final destination specifying information. Is transmitted to the route information providing server 40.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the route information providing server 40 searches the route search database stored in the auxiliary storage device 92, and uses the destination specifying information from the starting point specified by the starting point specifying information. It is determined what route to go to the destination specified in (Step S130). When the route information providing server 40 searches for information on this route, the route information providing server 40 sets the conditions of the moving means (car / motorcycle / walk) and priority road (general road / highway) designated by the user on the search option selection screen W30. The route is searched so as to satisfy. For example, when “automobile” is selected as the transportation means and “general road” is selected as the priority road, the route to the destination is searched by using the “general road” through which the automobile can pass. Is done. In addition, when searching for this route, for example, if “walking” is selected as the moving means, the “highway” will not be able to pass, but it will be possible to pass on a narrow road where cars cannot pass It becomes possible to reverse the one way road.

  In addition, when a plurality of destinations are set, the route information providing server 40 may follow the route in the order of the first destination specifying information, the second destination specifying information,..., The final destination specifying information. And search for information about the route. However, in this embodiment, even when the user designates a search for a loop route that finally returns to the departure place, the final destination specifying information is only position information for specifying the starting place. Therefore, it is not necessary for the route information providing server 40 to perform a special search process.

  As a search option, when the user has selected a setting that approaches the destination from the image capturing direction, the route information providing server 40 selects the route information so as to approach the destination from the imaging direction. When a plurality of destinations are set, in the present embodiment, route information is selected so as to approach the destination from the imaging direction only for the final destination. However, for destinations in the middle of the route such as the first destination and the second destination, information on the route may be searched so as to approach the destination from the imaging direction of each image.

  Next, the route information providing server 40 searches the additional information search database stored in the auxiliary storage device 92 and searches for additional information designated by the user (step S132). For example, when the user designates printing recommended point information that is a recommended point on the route, the route information providing server 40 searches the additional information search database, and in step S130. It is checked whether or not there is a point that can be recommended to the user as a sightseeing spot in the searched route. In this case, it is a premise that information on recommended points that can be recommended to the user as sightseeing spots is stored in advance in the additional information search database.

  Next, the route information providing server 40 generates a route information image based on the route from the departure point to the destination determined in step S130 and the map image including these (step S134). In the present embodiment, a map information database is also stored in the auxiliary storage device 92, and the route information providing server 40, based on the route information determined in step S130, determines the departure point and destination from this map information database. Then, map information including the route information between them is acquired, and the route information and the map information are superimposed and combined to generate a route information image. When generating the route information image, if information regarding recommended points is also searched in step S132, the information regarding the recommended points is also added to the map information to generate a route information image.

  If the user has selected to print an enlarged map near the destination as a printing option, the route information providing server 40 generates the route information image and the destination information from the departure point determined in step S130. An enlarged route information image in the vicinity of the destination is generated based on the route to the destination and the map in which the vicinity of the destination is enlarged. In the present embodiment, when a plurality of destinations are selected, an enlarged route information image in the vicinity of the destination is generated based on a map in which the vicinity of the final destination is enlarged. However, an enlarged route information image may also be generated for intermediate destinations such as the vicinity of the first destination and the vicinity of the second destination.

  If the user has selected to print an enlarged map in the vicinity of the departure point as a printing option, the route information providing server 40 determines the route from the departure point determined in step S130 to the destination and the departure point. Based on the map in which the vicinity is enlarged, an enlarged route information image in the vicinity of the departure place is also generated.

  Next, the path information providing server 40 transmits the result obtained by the search process to the printer 20 that has transmitted the path information search request via the network 30 (step S136). Then, the printer 20 receives the search result of the route information (step S140). Specifically, the route information image generated in step S <b> 134 is transmitted from the route information providing server 40 to the printer 20. If an enlarged route information image near the destination is generated in step S134, the enlarged route information image near the destination is also transmitted from the route information providing server 40 to the printer 20. Similarly, when an enlarged route information image near the departure point is also generated in step S134, the enlarged route information image near the departure point is also transmitted from the route information providing server 40 to the printer 20.

  Next, the printer 20 generates a combined route information image based on the route information image received in step S40 (step S50). Specifically, the image selected by the user in step S104 is superimposed on the destination position of the received route information image and synthesized.

  When the user has selected a plurality of images to visit a plurality of destinations, the corresponding images are superimposed on the position of each destination in the route information image and synthesized. For example, as shown in the combined route information image IM30 of FIG. 16, the first destination image 210 is superimposed on the position of the first destination of the route information image and synthesized, and the second destination of the route information image is synthesized. The second destination image 212 is superimposed and synthesized at the position, and the final destination image 110 is superimposed and synthesized at the final destination position of the route information image.

  In addition, when the user designates printing of information regarding recommended points on the route as a print option, the route information image received from the route information providing server 40 and information regarding recommended points are included. Become. For example, as shown in the composite route information image IM30 in FIG. 16, when there is a famous French restaurant in the middle of the route, a French restaurant mark 214 is displayed at a corresponding position in the route information image.

  Further, when the user designates printing of information specifying the imaging direction as a printing option, the printer 20 superimposes information specifying the imaging direction on the route information image received from the route information providing server 40. Synthesize together. For example, as shown in the composite route information image IM30 in FIG. 16, when the final destination image 110 is an image taken in the east direction from the destination, the imaging direction specifying mark 220 is set in the east direction. And the synthesized route information image IM30 is generated so that the user can know the imaging direction.

  In addition, when the user has selected to print an enlarged map near the destination, the printer 20 moves the user to the position of the destination in the enlarged route information image near the destination received from the route information providing server 40. Superimpose and synthesize the specified destination images to generate a combined destination vicinity enlarged image. FIG. 17 shows an example of the combined destination vicinity enlarged image IM40 corresponding to the combined route information image IM30 of FIG. In this way, in the combined destination vicinity enlarged image IM40, the destination image is superimposed on the position of the destination on the enlarged map near the final destination and combined.

  If the user has selected to print an enlarged map near the departure point, the printer 20 receives an enlarged route information image near the departure point as shown in FIG. 18 from the route information providing server 40. FIG. 18 shows an enlarged route information image in the vicinity of the departure point corresponding to the combined route information image IM30 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the mark 100 representing the departure place is attached to the enlarged route information image on the route information providing server 40 side, but at the position of the departure place of the enlarged route information image on the printer 20 side. Alternatively, the images may be superimposed and combined to generate a combined starting point vicinity enlarged image.

  If an image representing the departure place is registered in advance in the printer 20 by the user, the printer 20 uses the image representing the departure place to generate a combined departure vicinity enlarged image. It may be. For example, when the user images a home with an imaging device, and image data of the captured image is registered and stored in the auxiliary storage device 62 of the printer 20, the printer 20 stores the image data from the auxiliary storage device 62. The image data is read, an image representing the departure place is acquired, and pasted at the position of the departure place in the enlarged route information image near the departure place.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the printer 20 displays the combined route information image IM30 generated in step S142 on the display screen 58 (step S144). The display method of the composite route information image IM30 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above. In addition, when the printer 20 generates a combined destination vicinity enlarged image or a combined starting point vicinity enlarged image, or when the printer 20 acquires an enlarged image near the starting point, these images are also displayed by the user. May be displayed on the display screen 58 by appropriately operating the operation panel 70.

  Next, the printer 20 prompts the user to determine whether or not to print the displayed composite route information image IM30 (step S146), and when the user inputs an instruction to print (step S146: YES). Then, the combined route information image IM30 is printed (step S148). That is, the print execution unit 64 is driven to print the combined route information image IM30 on the print medium.

  At the time of this printing, if the printer 20 has generated a combined destination vicinity enlarged image or a combined starting point vicinity enlarged image, or if the printer 20 has acquired an enlarged image near the starting point, these These images are also printed on the print medium by driving the print execution unit 64.

  On the other hand, when the user inputs an instruction not to print the displayed composite route information image IM30 (step S146: NO), the printer 20 skips step S148 and prints the composite route information image IM30. The route information search process is terminated without performing (Step S150).

  As described above, according to the route information search system 10 according to the present embodiment, the user can select the printer 20 only by selecting the destination image that the user wants to go from the destination image selection screen W20. The combined route information image IM30 including information regarding the route from the departure point to the destination can be printed. For this reason, it is possible to easily set a destination when performing a route search.

  In addition, in the destination image selection screen W20, the user can designate a plurality of destinations by selecting a plurality of images, so that it is possible to improve the convenience of the user for route search.

  In addition, when searching for route information as a search option, the user designates the route search so that the direction approaching the destination matches the image capturing direction on the search option selection screen W30. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to easily search for a route approaching the destination while viewing the same landscape as the image selected by the user.

  In addition, the user designates printing of an enlarged map near the destination on the print information selection screen W40, so that in addition to the synthesized route information image IM30, the composite destination that is an enlarged map near the destination is specified from the printer 20. The neighborhood enlarged image IM40 can be printed. For this reason, after the user arrives near the destination, the route to the destination can be known based on a more detailed map.

  Further, the user designates printing of an enlarged map near the departure place as a print option on the print information selection screen W40, so that the printer 20 can display an enlarged map near the departure place in addition to the composite route information image IM30. It is possible to print an enlarged route information image IM50 in the vicinity of the departure place or a combined departure place vicinity enlarged image. For this reason, while the user still remains in the vicinity of the departure place, the route to the destination can be known based on a more detailed map.

  Further, the user can designate printing of the imaging direction specifying mark 220 at the destination position of the combined route information image IM30 as a print option on the print information selection screen W40. By printing the imaging direction specifying mark 220, the user can easily know which direction the user can see the same scenery as the target image after arriving at the destination. . For this reason, the convenience of the synthetic | combination path | route information image IM30 can be improved significantly.

  In addition, the user can specify printing of information regarding recommended points on the route on the print information selection screen W40. By printing the information about the recommended points, the user can easily know that there are famous restaurants and scenic spots from the departure point to the destination. For this reason, added value can be given to the synthetic | combination path | route information image IM30, and a user's convenience can be improved significantly.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the memory card described above is an example of a recording medium in which image data is stored, and an external storage such as a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or the like is used as a recording medium in which image data is stored. Is possible. Further, the auxiliary storage device 62 of the printer 20 may be used as a recording medium, and the image data may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 62 of the printer 20 and read out from the auxiliary storage device 62.

  Further, the selection function and options of various options in the printer 20 described above are merely examples, and option settings and options other than those described above can be arbitrarily provided. The various options described above can be arbitrarily omitted. For example, in the print information selection screen W40 in FIG. 15, the option to specify whether or not to print the information specifying the imaging direction is omitted, and the imaging direction is automatically set at the destination position of the combined path information image IM30. The specific mark 220 may be designed to be printed.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the installation position of the printer 20 such as the user's home is registered by the printer position information registration process of FIG. 5, but the installation of the printer 20 is performed by the printer position information registration process. By registering a position other than the position, a place different from the place where the printer 20 is installed can be set as the starting place of the route search.

  Furthermore, for the route information search process described in the above embodiment, a program for executing the route information search process is recorded on a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a memory card, or the like. It is possible to record on a medium and distribute in the form of a recording medium. In this case, the above-described embodiment can be realized by causing the printer 20 and the route information providing server 40 to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.

  The printer 20 and the route information providing server 40 may include other programs such as an operating system and another application program. In this case, in order to utilize other programs provided in the printer 20 and the route information providing server 40, a program that realizes processing equivalent to the above-described embodiment from among the programs provided in the printer 20 and the route information providing server 40. You may make it record the program containing the instruction | command which calls | requires to a recording medium.

  Furthermore, such a program is not in the form of a recording medium, but can be downloaded from the program providing server via the network by the printer 20 or the route information providing server 40. The program downloaded to the printer 20 and the route information providing server 40 via the network is executed by the printer 20 and the route information providing server 40, whereby the above-described route information search process can be realized.

  When a program is recorded on a recording medium or downloaded via a network, the program may be encrypted or compressed. In this case, the printer 20 or the route information providing server 40 that has read the program from the recording medium or the program providing server needs to execute the program after decrypting or expanding the program.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the route information search process is realized by software has been described as an example. However, the route information search process may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific IC). Furthermore, this route information search process may be realized by cooperation of software and hardware.

10 route information search system 20 printer 30 network 40 route information providing server 50, 80 CPU
52, 82 RAM
54, 84 ROM
56, 86 Network interface 58, 88 Display screen 60, 90 Input interface 62, 92 Auxiliary storage device 64 Print execution unit 70 Operation panel

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus connected to a route information providing server via a network,
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data associated with position information obtained by capturing an image;
Destination specifying means for acquiring position information associated with the acquired image data as destination specifying information, and using the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination;
Departure location specifying means that acquires pre-registered departure location identification information and uses the location identified by the departure location identification information as the departure location;
A route that acquires a route information image including information on a route from the departure point specified by the departure point identification information to the destination specified by the destination identification information from the route information providing server via the network. Information image acquisition means;
Combining means for superimposing and synthesizing the image based on the image data on the route information image to generate a synthesized route information image;
Printing means for printing the generated combined path information image;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synthesizing unit generates an image based on the image data at a destination position in the route information image to generate the synthesized route information image. . List image display means for recording the image data related to a plurality of images on a recording medium, reading the image data from the recording medium and displaying a list screen of the plurality of images;
Destination selection means for allowing the user to select an image as a destination from the list screen;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The image data includes data related to thumbnail images obtained by reducing an image based on the image data,
When the list screen display means displays a list screen of a plurality of images, the list screen of the plurality of images is displayed using the thumbnail images.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. In the destination selection means, the user can select a plurality of destinations,
When a plurality of destinations are selected, the route information image acquisition unit acquires a route information image including information on a route passing through the selected plurality of destinations from the route information providing server.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the destination selection unit allows the user to select a departure place as a final destination.   The route information image acquisition means acquires a route information image including information related to recommended points in a route from the departure place to the destination. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The image data includes information for specifying the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured, in addition to the position information where the image is captured,
The synthesizing unit synthesizes the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured at the destination, and also superimposes the imaging direction information that allows the user to be identified on the route information image.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image data includes information for specifying the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured, in addition to the position information where the image is captured,
The route information image acquisition unit acquires a route information image including information on a route approaching the destination from the direction of the imaging device when the image is captured.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. In addition to the route information image, the route information image acquisition means also acquires a destination vicinity enlarged image obtained by enlarging the vicinity of the destination,
The synthesizing unit superimposes an image based on the image data with the destination vicinity enlarged image and generates a synthesized destination vicinity enlarged image,
The printing means also prints the generated composite destination vicinity enlarged image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The synthesizing unit synthesizes an image representing a departure place registered in advance in addition to the image based on the image data so as to be superimposed on the route information image to generate the synthesized route information image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A route information search system comprising a route information providing server and an image forming apparatus connected to the route information providing server via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data associated with position information obtained by capturing an image;
Destination specifying means for acquiring position information associated with the acquired image data as destination specifying information, and using the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination;
Departure location specifying means that acquires pre-registered departure location identification information and uses the location identified by the departure location identification information as the departure location;
Specific information transmitting means for transmitting the starting point specifying information and the destination specifying information to the route information providing server via the network;
With
The route information providing server includes:
Specific information receiving means for receiving the starting point specifying information and the destination specifying information from the image forming apparatus via the network;
Route information that uses the position specified by the starting point specifying information as a starting point, searches for a route that has the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination, and acquires a route information image including information about the route Image acquisition means;
Route information image transmission means for transmitting the route information image to the image forming apparatus via the network;
With
The image forming apparatus further includes:
Route information image receiving means for receiving the route information image transmitted from the route information providing server;
Combining means for superimposing and synthesizing the image based on the image data on the route information image to generate a synthesized route information image;
Printing means for printing the generated combined path information image;
A route information retrieval system comprising: A route information providing server to which an image forming apparatus is connected via a network,
Specific information receiving means for receiving from the image forming apparatus, via the network, starting point specifying information that is position information for specifying a starting point and destination specifying information that is position information for specifying a destination. The destination specifying information is specific information receiving means that is position information acquired by the image forming apparatus based on image data associated with position information obtained by capturing an image;
Route information that uses the position specified by the starting point specifying information as a starting point, searches for a route that has the position specified by the destination specifying information as a destination, and acquires a route information image including information about the route Image acquisition means;
Route information image transmission means for transmitting the route information image to the image forming apparatus via the network;
A route information providing server characterized by comprising:

Images